Youth Cricket in not only the heartbeat of the game in Western Province; it has also been an award-winning, pulsating part of the winning recipe of the Cape Cobras’ ten domestic titles the past eight years as the pipeline-structures have been superb, says Clinton du Preez, amateur cricket manager of the Western Province Cricket Association.

Du Preez was one of the talismanic figures behind the WP’s club cricket- and the HUBS/RPC-program claiming the number-1 positions nationally on the Cricket South Africa incentive scorecard.

He was at the helm when the Western Province Youth Cricket Association’s annual general meeting took place on Wednesday. Fezile Mguqulwa was elected as chairperson of the association and Rodney They as vice-chairperson. The additional members are: Stanley Maqubela, Johannes Adams, Leslie Appollis, Mzolisi Marwanqa, Luthando Mzisi, Bulelani Libazi, Karlien Scholtz and Goolam Jaffer

“It is great to see some new faces on the committee and we are looking forward to their input and energy as we strive to continue the growth and sustain youth cricket in the province,” Du Preez said. “Our direct mandate is to ensure that the establishment of the district committees are driven vigorously,” he added.

“We welcomed the robust discussions and were encouraged by the vision and passion of our delegates.

“ I would like to thank our stakeholders for their continued support and dedication to the development of cricket in the province, as without their support we would not be able to sustain our continued success on and off the field.

“We would like to wish our committee well for the ensuing season and looking forward to greater steps in the benefit of our youth,” he added.

Youth Cricket in the Western Province has unearthed some superb players the past decade and the establishment of the Newlands high school will no doubt add to the depth and reserve strength of the province, Du Preez remarked.

He said Western Province is more dedicated than ever to extend and grow the pool of emerging black African players in the province to ensure that the Western Cape contributes richly to a national game of winners.

Beresford Williams, the president, said WPCA is determined to ensure they produce players and teams that can compete with the very best in the game. The balance between mass participation and high performance must be found to ensure performance excellence.

“We can achieve it. We can also improve our communication on our sustainable pipeline, while implementing performance plans to assist young aspiring cricketers,” Williams added.